RACV has urged tradies to protect their tools following a spike in thefts showing over $33 million worth of hand and power tools stolen from Victorian tradies in 2023, a 37% increase from the previous year, according to the Crime Statistic Agency.

The report shows 18,626 power tools and 14,911 hand tools were stolen across Victoria in 2023 (an increase of 12%) in the total number of items stolen. RACV Home general manager Bill Bloodworth says there are several steps to deter thieves from targeting tools.

“To secure your tools in a vehicle, use a robust truck bed or a lockable toolbox, anchored to the vehicle with a strong security chain if portable,” Bill says.

“Marking your tools with your identification details, such as your name and driver’s license number, makes them difficult for thieves to sell, easier for you to report as missing and increases the likelihood of recovery by police.”

Trade tools are particularly vulnerable to theft due to their high value and portability, posing a considerable risk to individual contractors, sole traders and small businesses. The loss of tools can not only cause a financial setback in buying replacement tools but also reduce work capacity, potentially costing thousands in lost earnings.